Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in School Principal Certificate

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor's degree
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 24.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Quarter
Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible*

Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 13.0408 / 13.0409
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 11-9032

*The current plan of study for this program would only allow for federal financial aid (including Federal Direct Student Loans) for terms that are at least a minimum of 4.5 credits for graduate courses and 6.0 credits for undergraduate courses. This is based on current regulations from the U.S. Department of Education.

About the Program

The School Principal Certificate online program is a fast-track pathway to achieving the principal certificate. This program is designed to develop emerging leaders who can utilize adaptive leadership when dealing with the complexity and challenges facing school leaders. The internship component of this program provides an opportunity for students to assume leadership roles under the supervision of their principal mentor. The focus of this program is on developing leaders who are collaborative, invested in improving learning outcomes for all students, able to use data to identify gaps in teaching and learning, committed to culturally appropriate learning environments and able to engage parents and the community in continual school improvement.

Admission Requirements

Applicants come from a variety of undergraduate and graduate backgrounds and typically desire to provide leadership for change as a school principal. The School Principal Certification is available for teachers or counselors who already possess initial teaching or educational specialist certificates. Applicants must meet the general admissions requirements for graduate studies at Drexel University.

Program Requirements

Students will not be recommended for the School Principal Certificate until all course requirements are met, the initial teaching or educational specialist certificate has been received, submitted passing Praxis Exam scores, and three years of satisfactory professional school experience have been completed. Minimum coursework requirements for the School Principal Certificate include 24.0 credits of specific pedagogy as outlined below. Students must achieve the grade of B or better in each graduate-level course needed for certification.

Certification Courses
EDAM 705School Law and Politics3.0
EDAM 708Integration of Technology with School Instruction and Management3.0
EDAM 710School Finance and Facilities3.0
EDAM 712School and Community Partnerships and Relations3.0
EDAM 714Instructional and Curriculum Leadership3.0
EDAM 715School Principal Internship: Technology1.5
EDAM 716School Principal Internship: Finance1.5
EDAM 717School Principal Internship: Leadership1.5
EDAM 718School Principal Internship: Relations1.5
EDCR 510Leadership in Educational Contexts and Systems3.0
Total Credits24.0

Students working toward School Principal Certification engage in a corresponding 1.5-credit school-based internship when enrolled in EDAM 715, EDAM 716, EDAM 717, EDAM 718 related to each course's content.

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
EDCR 5103.0EDAM 7123.0EDAM 7143.0EDAM 7053.0
 EDAM 7181.5EDAM 7171.5EDAM 7083.0
   EDAM 7151.5
 3 4.5 4.5 7.5
Second Year
FallCredits   
EDAM 7103.0   
EDAM 7161.5   
 4.5   
Total Credits 24

Students who possess a valid state-issued teacher or educational specialist certification and have completed a minimum of three years of satisfactory professional school experience upon successful completion of these certification courses, and who also meet the current state minimum score on the appropriate Praxis Exam may apply for School Principal Certification.

Additional Information

Students can receive a Master of Science in Educational Administration while pursuing the School Principal Certification. For more information, visit the Educational Administration catalog page.

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